I Tried Acupuncture For the First Time & Here’s What I Learned

My First Visit Proved It Won't Be My Last
May 15, 2016
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Health & Wellness

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I suffer from terrible tension headaches every month.  I also recently had a temporary lower back injury from a workout class gone wrong (I don’t want to talk about it).  But it was the headaches and the back pain, and my new curiosity about natural medicine and wellness, that prompted me to try acupuncture two weeks ago.  

I have obviously seen buzz about acupuncture (especially in the beauty world) and I know some people swear by it.  I read this piece on the basics and then this piece on why you should ditch your derm for acupuncture sure got my attention.  But it was only after talking to a few friends at a recent happy hour that made me consider trying acupuncture myself. My friends shared their experiences of turning to acupuncture to treat their anxiety, back pain and migraines, so I knew it was finally time to try it for myself. Click through the slideshow to find out what I learned as a newbie (and new fan).  Cheers, Kat

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It Doesn't Hurt

It Doesn't Hurt

The needles are nothing like hypodermic needles. They're extremely thin and solid, causing you to feel little to no sensation upon insertion. I felt a very faint and fleeting pinch from only one or two needles during my first acupuncture visit, and the acupuncturist was really helpful in explaining the process. Should any needles cause too much discomfort, they will simply remove the needle.

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VIA BYRDIE
It's Not Invasive

It's Not Invasive

Contrary to what I imagined, and all of the images I've ever seen of acupuncture, it was not invasive. Meaning, I didn't have to take my clothes off. I scheduled an appointment at a local clinic and opted for "community acupuncture" which meant I was in a room with a handful of others. I stretched out on my recliner, put my eye mask on, and was (almost) lulled to sleep by the soothing music overhead.

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VIA HELLO GLOW
It's Tailored To You

It's Tailored To You

I appreciated the private consultation I had before sitting down for my first acupuncture session. I was able to share my current ailments and symptoms that I hoped to address with the acupuncture. I learned that the needles are placed strategically on different pressure points throughout the body, dependent on what healing responses you're hoping to achieve. Since I was interested in helping my back pain and hormonal headaches, I had several needles placed on my feet and some inside my wrists.

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VIA BYRDIE, BY IMAXTREE
It Can Be Affordable

It Can Be Affordable

I had always assumed acupuncture would be something I wouldn't need or even afford if I had wanted to try it. Fortunately, there is a growing movement for affordable acupuncture throughout the country, and many clinics offer a "community" option along with their private sessions. I really appreciated being able to try acupuncture this way as a first-timer, and only paid $30.

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VIA MARIE CLAIRE
It Was Incredibly Relaxing

It Was Incredibly Relaxing

The visit lasted a little over a half hour, and the entire experience was incredibly relaxing and soothing. Sure, the atmosphere was very zen, but I walked out of there feeling more balanced and appreciative that I could turn to an ancient, natural practice to help my body.

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VIA HELLO GLOW
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Featured image by Sascha Oda via Byrdie 

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  • Emily / 05.17.2016

    Hi! Thank you for sharing this! I suffer from tension headaches as well and acupuncture has cured them! I love it so much and it really does work.

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